Rugland has still not played in a single NFL game. His first opportunity to do so will be against the New York Jets in just over a week’s time. General manager Martin Mayhew isn’t ready to get too excited about Rugland until he can prove he can play in a live game. Rugland has an uphill climb to find his way into a roster spot. He will have to supplant veteran kicker in David Akers to stick with the Lions.

Ultimately, if Rugland can consistently kick a football between the uprights people will have to him look as something more than just “that YouTube guy.” Even if he doesn’t stick with the Lions, a strong performance in the preseason could land him a job elsewhere and show he’s capable of playing in the league.

My worst fear when it comes to the kicking situation for the Lions is that they keep Akers in the last year or two of his career and Rugland goes elsewhere and becomes a Pro-bowl caliber player with a long career. If its even remotely close they’ve got to keep Kickalicious.